Gerald "Jerry" Louis Gast

GAST, Gerald L (Jerry),71, of Louisville, died Thursday, January 5th 2023. He is survived by his wife: Donna Widman Gast; his children: Jeremy ‘Jay’ (Erin) and Jennifer; his two grandchildren: Emilee and Riley; father: George ‘Pop’ Gast; brothers: Ed (MaryAnn) Gast, Charles (Doris) Gast, James (Rita) Gast; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. He is preceded in death by his mother: Doris Braun Gast. Visitation will be Monday 2-7pm at Louisville Memorial Gardens East 11601 Ballardsville Rd Louisville KY 40241, Funeral mass will be at Holy Family Catholic Church 3938 Poplar Level Rd Louisville KY 40213, Tuesday at 10am. 

In lieu of flowers please make donations to American Heart Association or National Kidney Foundation.

Jerry grew up in Camp Taylor where his parents raised him and his three brothers. He attended Holy Family grade school and graduated from Trinity Highschool in 1969. He went to college at the University of Kentucky but visited home often, where he met the love of his life, Donna, in 1971 at Holy Family and they married in 1973. He graduated from UK in 1975 with his degree in architecture, thus began his love for UK football. He worked for several architectural firms before settling at USPS for the majority of his career and retired in 2013. He was a talented architect who enjoyed other forms of art for hobby as well. Throughout his life he enjoyed drawing, painting, doodling, and building models. 

Jerry and Donna, although opposites in some ways, completed and complimented each other from day one, they were married almost 50 years and took care of each other. They worked hard at their relationship and it paid off. He was devoted to his family and took after his parents in the aspect of, would truly do anything for the ones he loved. Jerry and Donna have 2 children, where from day one, Jerry promised to be the best Dad possible. He more than succeeded. He coached his kids and taught them to play multiple sports, helped with Scouts, took them on vacations, built things with them, raised them to be faithful to God, spent time at the lake, and taught us to save our pennies. He provided for his family and protected them every way he could. 

He has 2 beautiful grandchildren that he enjoyed every moment with. Just like he supported his kids, he also supported his grandkids. He attended games, did art/building projects, drawing, went on vacation with, enjoyed the swimming pool, playing board games and cards. He most enjoyed listening to Emilee sing and playing trains with Riley. 

He also loved taking his parents to the casino, watching old Western movies and Hogan's Heroes, playing pinball, watching sports (mostly UK), playing golf, listening to 60s music, drinking root beer floats, boating and spending time at the lake house. He gave the best hugs, had the most contagious smile, and was the first to joke around. His giving nature and sense of humor will be missed the most. 

In Jerry's own words, "I've lived a good life."